Mahi Pitch Rod Bait

Saltwater Offshore Discussion
1

Gentlemen:
Any advice on what to throw for school dolphin?
Cut bait? Hook size/type?
Thanks.

2

8/0 circle and what ever bait you have handy.

3

If you want to try a plug, the suspending shimano waxwing works well.Might consider changing the hooks to something more beefy in case a bigger one comes along…

36 ft Yellowfin Yamaha Trip 300
27 ft Seahunt Yamaha Twin 200

4

I’ve always used chunks of ballyhoo – when we freshen up baits we save the old ones in the side of the cooler, just rip on in half and chunk it out there. One of the phins we caught last week threw up a bit of a large sausage link… I don’t think they are very picky.

1994 Hewes Redfisher 18, 2004 Yamaha 150 VMAX
Malibu X-Factor Kayak

5

Believe it or not, Mud Minnows work incredibly well.

After being released, a lot of fish die, but a lot of them live also.

6
quote:
Originally posted by CaptFritz

Believe it or not, Mud Minnows work incredibly well.

After being released, a lot of fish die, but a lot of them live also.

I bet they do work great. Easy to come by too if you plan ahead.

Live bait is hands down my go to but squid or ballyhoo checks work well also. I keep a hand line spool ready whenever I am trolling offshore. I can land schoolies on a handling twice as fast as my charter guests can with spinning gear.

7

8/0 a bit big for schoolies???

8

ive caught them on fried chicken skin

9

Caught about 7/8 on a Shimano Coltsniper last week.

Mark
Southport 28TE
2X Yamaha F250
Yeah, but do you consider a dog to be a filthy animal? I wouldn’t go so far as to call a dog filthy but they’re definitely dirty. But, a dog’s got personality. Personality goes a long way.

“Life’s tough…It’s even tougher if you’re stupid” John Wayne

10
quote:
Originally posted by EquipMgr

8/0 a bit big for schoolies???

They aren’t smart.

But the reason we use a bigger circle is to avoid crowding the throat of the hook, and at 8/0, usually have a little heavier wire. Also you can catch a big cobia on same hook. Less tackle changes.

11

I like to use anywhere from a 4/0 to 6/0, tied to 5’ of 40# Flouro leader.

If the fish are interested, and not biting then switch to a smaller hook or change up your presentation.

You can also use a bucktail, and add a piece of cut-bait on it as well.

02’ Seapro 17’CC w/ 90 yamaha 2stroke